The Los Angeles LGBT Center commemorated 40 years of the HIV epidemic on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, and committed to continuing efforts to end AIDS.

“It has been 40 years since the Centers for Disease Control first reported a mysterious illness among five young gay men in Los Angeles that would later become known as AIDS. This report would be followed by a devastating loss of life that, sadly, continues today,” Los Angeles LGBT Center Executive Director Joe Hollendoner said. “This World AIDS Day, we remember those who died due to government inaction rooted in homophobia, celebrate the continued resiliency of long-term survivors, express gratitude to the HIV providers, researchers and advocates, [and] affirm our commitment to eliminating the stigma that enables the HIV epidemic to continue.”

According to the CDC, more than 700,000 Americans have died from AIDS-related complications, and more than 1.1 million residents are living with HIV. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports there are approximately 57,700 people living with HIV and 1,300 new HIV transmissions each year. However, 5,700 people living with HIV in the county are unaware of their status, and only 60% of people living with HIV are virally suppressed.

“Ending the HIV epidemic in Los Angeles County is an achievable goal thanks to advancements like PrEP and treatment as prevention,” Hollendoner said. “However, disparities in HIV outcomes driven by institutional racism, transphobia, and homophobia continue to be an undeniable reality. That is why the center’s efforts to expand access to HIV testing, prevention and treatment across Los Angeles through our Center South, Mi Centro and Trans Wellness Center sites are essential to this goal.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also reports there is a disproportionate number of Latinx and Black males living with HIV – some of whom are undiagnosed or not aware of their status. Transgender individuals are the most disproportionately impacted gender group in the county.

“The fight against the HIV epidemic is not over. We must address the still outsized impact of HIV/AIDS on Black and Latinx gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, and transgender women, and we must do it by providing a neutral approach to care for HIV education, testing or treatment, not only to reduce the rates of HIV/AIDS in our communities but also to destigmatize how people view and treat those living with, or who are at-risk of acquiring HIV,” said David Flores, senior program manager at the Center South. “Testing and prevention programs that are by and for communities most impacted by HIV/AIDS, like those offered at Center South and our other sites, are critical to ending the epidemic.”

For information about HIV prevention, testing and health services throughout Los Angeles County, visit lalgbtcenter.org/hiv.